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VIEWPOINT: Letter To Tinubu: The Negative Impacts Of Privatising Ports Without Legal Framework, Economic Regulator Since 2005

March 27, 2024

By Lucky Amiwero

Your Excellency Sir, our Ports are associated with cumbersome, lengthy and unwholesome practice, which ranks our Ports as the most expensive within West African sub-region.

As an organization that has served in various Federal Government Committee, which includes: Presidential Task Force on the Reform of Nigeria Customs service, presidential Committee on 48hours clearance of goods from the port, Presidential Committee on Destination Inspection/Central Bank, Task force for the review of Port charges, levies, and dues , Import clearance procedure and the implementation of fiscal policy measures, Committee on FAL /Project 48, Consultant to the House committee on Custom and Excise, Consultant to the Ad Hoc Committee on the investigation of Ministry of Finance and Single window technology

Copies of the letters of appointment are attached and marked appendix 1 (a)(b)(c )(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)

We are more concerned about the process of privatizing Nigerian Ports without legal framework and economic Regulator, which has constituted hindrance, that resulted to: gridlock on our roads, no holding bays, No trailer parks, no Government warehouses in the Ports, No regulator to check the private monopoly of the Terminal Operators, these components where excluded from the Port privatization process

The Holding Bays that existed before 2005 within and around the Ports, was ceded out as land space to Terminal Operators, without providing alternatives, all the spaces used for various activity to enhance port activities, was ceded to Terminal Operators, forcing the Trucks, lorries to use the available Port access road to hold empty containers and wait as holding bay, awaiting access to the Port to load clients consignment.

There are no Government warehouse to place Government cargoes , No trailer Parks , no Economic Regulator, no holding bay, duplication of charges and charges not tied to service is prevalent in our Port System.

Nigeria Port System is expected to serve the economy and meet the needs of Port users in a manner, which is economically and environmentally sustainable, through the establishment of:

(i)An appropriate operational process

(ii)Efficient port procedure and

(iii)Effective legislative framework

THE GLOBAL OBJECTIVE OF PORT REFORM

The global objective of a Port reform is to achieve the following:

(a)To improve efficiency of operations and management of the Port

(b)To achieve reduction in cost of cargo clearance

(d)Become more client friendly

(e)To facilitate further development of the Nations transport infrastructure

(f)To eliminate congestion and facilitate the emergence as a Hub and Transshipment center or preferred Port

(g)Generate wealth and create employment

(h)Reduce bureaucracy and

(i)Attract foreign direct investment

THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (BPE) AND PORT PRIVITIZATION

When the BUREAU OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (BPE)

The(BPE) advertised for the concession of the Port in 2003, four critical issues was conversed by the Bureau to justify the need for the concession of the Port, which is highlighted as follows:

1To achieve reduction in cost of cargo clearance

2To improve efficiency of operation and management of the Port

3To facilitate further development of nations Transport Infrastructure

4To eliminate congestion and facilitate the emergence of Nigeria as a Hub for West African Sub-region

After nineteen (19) years in to the lease agreement Tagged concession, there is the need to ascertain, if the objective of the Port Privatization, deceitfully Tag concession has been realized, in line with objective of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) , putting in mind the provision of Section 7(c ) of the Port Act 38 of 1999.

The provision of Section 7-© of the Port Act clearly states:

Ensure the efficient management of port Operation, Optimal allocation and use of resources, diversification of sources of revenue and guaranteeing returns on its investment in order to contribute effectively to the well-being to Nigeria Society

Copy of Section 7-©of the NPA Act 38 of 1999 is attached and marked appendix 2

THE PRIVIATIZATION OF NIGERIAN PORTS IS BASED ON LEASE AGREEMENT, WITHOUT LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND PORT REGULATOR SINCE 2005 TILL DATE THE NEGATIVE EFFECT

The concession of Nigerian Ports in 2005/ 2006 excludes three critical components:

Proper legal framework to midwife the concession of Nigeria Ports ,

 Port Economic Regulator to Monitor the operation, terms of the agreement and unwholesome practice by the Terminal Operators and shipping companies, there is no provision of concession in NPA Act 38 of 1999.

The privatization was based on lease agreement not concession, which only allow for only 5 years lease as contained in Section 25-(2) NPA act 38 of 1999

Copy of Section 25-(2) (NPA act 38 of 1999 is attached and marked appendix 3

The exclusion of the three (3) components: Legislative Framework, Commercial/Economic Port Regulator and concession, from the inception of the Port privatization process in 2005, created room for the present hindrance in our Port System, the principle of concession was jettison , there is no provision of Concession in Nigerian Ports Authority Act 38 of 1999, but only lease agreement for five(5) years, as contained in Section 25-(2)

The impediment makes our port one of the most expensive in the Globe, which gave the Terminal Operators and Shipping Companies advantage to manipulate and control the Ports System, that lead to bottleneck, Gridlock on port access roads, high cost of clearance and extreme private monopoly to the detriment of the economy.

Copy of the Lease agreements is attached and marked appendix 4

CONCESSION NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THE PRESENT NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY ACT 38 OF 1999 ONLY LEASE FOR FIVE (5) YEARS

The Nigeria Ports Authority Act 38 of 1999 provides for private sector participation of the following:

FOR JOINT VENTURE:

Section 7-(f) Manage, supervise and control or take part in the management, supervision or control of any company or undertaking in which the Authority is interested by reason of shareholding or otherwise and for that purpose appoint and remunerate directors, accountants, other expert and agents

Corporatisation

Section 8-(f) Acquire any undertaking of any registered business that affords facilities for the loading, unloading or warehousing of any goods in any goods in any port in Nigeria;

Private Participation

Section 8-(i) enter into agreement with any person for the operation or the provisions of any of the port facilities which may be operated or provided by the Authority

Nigerian Ports Authority Act 38 of 1999, has no provision for Concession it only provide for lease of five(5) years, there is no such provision for build operate own and transfer BOO/BOT /BOOT in the Act, the lease was contracted out between BPE/NPA and Terminal operators on lease agreement from up 10-30 years, which is not backed by the NPA Act 38 of 1999

Copies of section 7-(f), 8-(f) and 8-(i) is attached and marked appendix 5

The Introduction of Destination Inspection Regime In 2006 Increases The Facilitation of Clearance And Increase In Throughput Of Cargo By Automation And Scanning

We as a body initiated the concept of Destination inspection in 2001 that was used to introduce Destination Inspection regime and became member in 2006, which was implemented that increased the cargo throughput and reduced the stay of ship and cargo in the Port system from 2006 to 2013

Copy of letter from the presidency Towards successful implementation for Destination regime is attached and marked appendix 6

The facilitation of the clearance of goods from the port and the increase of cargo throughput was as a result of the Introduction of Destination Inspection(DI) regime in 2006 through the acquisition of Scanners contracted between the Federal government of Nigeria and Some Service providers, Namely: Cotecna, SGS and Global Scan on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer(BOOT) basis for the provision, installation, operation and management of X-Ray Scanning Equipment and software for examination of goods, for a period of seven years from 1st of January 2006 to 31st December 2012, which was finally extended for one additional year by the Federal Government.

The examination was done Under selective principle of examination High Risk , Red amber Light, /Med risk Documentary check,/Scanning, yellow amber light low risk green amber light release without examination and amber light release at importers warehouse

The automation was contracted with United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD) agreement for the provision of technical assistant for automated system for customs data with the Federal Government 28th of October 2005, with application software:

Tariff and control table Management,

National configuration management,

Declaration, including inward Transit and post entry,

Direct Trader Input (DTI),

Selectivity and Risk Management,

Examination officer control,

Warehousing,

Payment and cash accounting,

Manifest processing,

Temporary Admission,

ASYCUDA development plat form system security and declaration data for statistical and management information

The Federal Government entered into another contract agreement with WEBB FONTAINE CONSORTIUM on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer(BOOT) for provision, Installation, Operation and Management of Information Technology and Telecommunications hardware and software, Tanning and power-supply equipment and associated Service for the implementation of ASYCUDA World in Nigeria made on the 28th October 2005 commenced 1st January 2006 for 7 years duration.

Copy of Scanning contracts Cotecna, SGS, and Globalscan , unctact compont on ASYCUDA+ + and WEBB FONTAINE face agreement is attached and marked appendix 7(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)

The introduction of Scanning and the application of selective principle of examination of Risk Management Level High risk, Med Risk/Scanning and Low risk release without examination no risk, the automation of cargo clearance through electronically inter -face process, reduces 70% of delay experience in the clearance of goods by removing the 100% cargo examination which is laborious , disruptive, inconsistent, unpredictable and add to stay of ship and cargo in the port

The Lease agreement on the Port Reform created hindrance, bottleneck, Gridlock, Lack of holding bay, no Government Warehouse and trailer park, No legal framework no concession provision in the Port Act, no Port Regulator to regulate the Commercial and economic aspect of Port operation making our port the most expensive in the world.

The Proper Concept Of Port Reform/ Privatisation Based On World Bank And Global Application Of Port Concession

Nigerian Port privatization was designed after the Landlord Port model, which is suppose to be structured into three components (i)Landlord,(ii) port operation(iii) Port economic Regulator , with the ceding of the four element: (a) Traffic, (b) Tariff (c) Labor(d) infrastructure, which is not contained in NPA law, that resulted to the dismissal of close to 10,000 workers after the lease agreement without law.

As landlord, the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) its not to be directly involved in Port operation, the Nigerian Port Authority is to act as a neutral landlord promoting the Port as a whole, with especially perform their marine function under the Landlord approach.

No Port Economic Regulator

The Government should have first embark on proper regulatory framework before the privatization process in 2005, a government that fails to get the structure and regulatory system right from the outset will face an immensely, costly, which will be hard, time-consuming and acrimonious process, to rectify matter will be very difficult, just as we are confronted with barrage of impediment for the past nineteen (19) years into the Privatization process in Nigerian Ports.

The main function of the Regulator is:

 To exercise Economic Regulation of the Ports system,

To avoid private monopoly by correcting various market imperfection,

To promote equity of access to ports and to facilities and service,

To monitor the activities of the Authority to ensure that it meet up with its own function,

Promote efficiency,

Protection of consumer and users against monopolistic or other abuses by operators

Prevention of pricing or service discrimination,

The provision of adequate, affordable and efficient Port service and facilities,

Consider proposed tariffs,

The Regulator must hear appeals and complaints,

Regulator should have power to adjudicate dispute between Port operators and uses,

Protection of investors against unfair or unreasonable government action

No Concession Agreement In Nigeria Ports Authority Act

The primary objective of concession agreements is to transfer investment cost from government to the private sector, they are obliged to construct and rehabilitate infrastructure and operate a facility for fixed years based on the

Concession agreement

Concession agreement are often developed as a part of Build Operate and Transfer, it legally represent special agreement between the Government/Port Authority and the Terminal operators, who are to carry out construction and operation of a Port development project.

Under the concession agreement, the ownership of the affected assets, is retained by the Port Authority and the commercial risk of providing and operating the assets is transferred to the private concessionaire.

Copy of the lease agreement with terminal operators which is misconstrue as concession agreements is attached and marked appendix 8(a)(b)(c)(d)

The need To Set Up Committee Of Expert To Review The Process To Accommodate The Shortfall Inherent In The Port System

To address the hindrance and impediment in the port system which attract high clearance cost, bottleneck, inconsistency and charges not tied to service collected by various organization.

The lengthy and cumbersome process excludes Nigerian Port as A load center, preferred Port or transshipment Hub ,due to the complexities inherent in our Port system, which makes our port the most expensive in the globe.

The Federal Government should constitute committee of expert to review the shortfall inherent in the Port system , in other to reduce the cost of doing business , lengthy and cumbersome procedure and duplication of process and charges not tied to service, so as to attract back our cargo from neighboring port and foreign direct investment.

Amiwero, a major stakeholder writes from Lagos

Pencom Recovers N1.5bn From Employers, Charges Others To Court

James Orji

March 27, 2024

Employers of labour in the country who failed to remit deducted pension of their workers to the National Pension Commission, PenCom, are being charged to court, the commission has said.

The Director-General, PenCom, Aisha Dahir-Umar, stated this in a report, the Nation newspaper quotes.

The Pencom boss said court cases have been instituted against recalcitrant employers with a view to ensure that the right is done.

According to her, some cases have also been settled out of court after the employers agreed to pay what they owe their workers as contributory pension to the commission.

To this effect, Dahir-Umar said PenCom recovered N1.47 billion from defaulting employers, with N864.69 million recovered as principal contributions and N608.90 million as penalty for the non-timely remittance of the contributions last year.

She said the commission has prosecuted 1, 077 recalcitrant employers within 10 years between 2013 to 2024.

The Pencom boss warned employers to stop flouting the PRA Act 2014, adding that the commission will support employers faithful in remitting their workers pension.

She said “Employers failing to or delaying in remitting their employees’ pension contributions are flouting the PRA 2014. We have put in place a mechanism to recover pension liabilities, including penalties, from defaulting employers and so we encourage employees to report their employers, who are not remitting pension contributions into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) as required by the PRA 2014. We allow employees to anonymously report their defaulting employers. When such complaints are received, the employers are compelled to remit the principal contributions with penalties.

“Section 11(6) of the PRA 2014 states that an employer who fails to deduct or remit the contributions within the stipulated time frame of seven working days from the day salaries are paid shall, in addition to making the remittances already due, be liable to a penalty.

“This penalty shall not be less than two per cent of the total contributions that remain unpaid for each month or part of each month the default continues. The amount of the penalty shall be recovered as a debt owed and paid into the employee’s RSA. Employers should be mindful that promptly remitting pension contributions is more cost-effective than risking penalties due to non-compliance or delayed remittance, as such penalties can be substantial.

“In addition, the PRA 2014 empowers PenCom to authorise the examination, inspection, or investigation of an employer relating to pension funds or assets. This provision ensures compliance by employers and mitigates complaints from employees and PFAs on non-remittance of pension contributions by some employers.”

We Will Get Rid Of Terrorists, Tinubu Replies Gumi

James Orji

March 27, 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says kidnappers are terrorists and would be treated as such.

The president made the remark on Tuesday while having the Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

His comment was contained in a statement by the President’s spokesman Ajuri Ngelale.

The dinner was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Tinubu’s remark comes on the heels of Sheik Gumi’s admonition on the federal government to grant amnesty to kidnappers the same way it did to the Niger Delta militants.

The Kaduna-based controversial Islamic cleric had recently urged the government to negotiate with bandits who have been on prowl lately, kidnapping school children in the northern part of the country.

Over 130 students kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna state earlier this month by the bandits were last week freed by security agencies working with the state government.

The president has however condemned the terrorists, describing their act as reprehensible and a crime against the country, insisting that the government has what it takes to defeat the criminals.

According to Tinubu who recently ordered a total clampdown on the terrorists, they are incapable of confronting the nation’s armed forces, adding that they must be defeated at all cost.

Tinubu said: “‘We must treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection.

“We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them.”

CBN: EFCC Goes After Claimants Of Illegal $2.4bn Forex Backlog

James Orji

March 27, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said security agencies are currently investigating claimants of forex backlog to the tune of $2.7 billion.

CBN governor Yemi Cardoso made this known on Tuesday during the monthly MPC meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The magazine reports that Cardoso recently stated that the government-controlled bank will not pay some forex backlog left by the administration of Godwin Emefiele, because they were deemed illegal and fraudulent.

Cardoso made the remark after the CBN claimed it had cleared all forex backlog to the tune of $7 billion as part of the bank’s efforts to ensure more liquidity in the system.

Speaking yesterday, the CBN governor said all unverified forex debt left by the Emefiele- led CBN will not be paid. Those making the claims that they are owed but whose claims cannot be substantiated, the apex bank governor said are currently being probed by security agencies.

Sources in the bank informed the magazine that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been detailed to investigate those making the illegal claims with a view to defraud the government.

According to Nigeria’s extant law, the EFCC is the agency saddled with the responsibility of probing economic and financial crimes.

“The files of all illegal forex claims discovered by the CBN have been sent to the EFCC for probe. We believe the agency will get to the root of the matter, with a view of advising the CBN on what to do next,” a source said on Wednesday.

Speaking on the issue the CBN governor said the illegal forex claims were discovered after the apex bank brought in “Deloitte Consultants to look at the books.”

According to him, the law enforcement agencies have already ordered a clampdown after CBN’s advise to that effect.

Cardoso stated: “With respect to the foreign exchange forwards, when we came in September, we had a backlog of forwards that were contracted. It was very important for the credibility of the CBN at that time, we certify and take care of the forwards.

“There were a number of transactions that had issues with genuineness. We brought in Deloitte Consultants to look at the books.

“We determined that a number of transactions were not qualified for payment. In some cases, we had some allocations in million of dollars which were never requested for. We had somewhere there was no Naira but they were allocated, etc. And it was for that reasons that we refused to validate those transactions because apart from the fact that documentation was not satisfactory in many cases, they were outright illegal.

“The law enforcement agencies are now looking into those transactions that are not valid to be paid as far as we are concerned. The law enforcement agencies are taking it very serious about those transactions.

“The figure is about $2.4 billion ineligible transactions. There have been several cases Allocations were made where no-one asked for, allocations were made but no Naira was available, no proper documentation, etc, those are some of the infractions that we discovered”.

Meanwhile, the CBN has raised the Monetary Policy Rate aka interest rate by 200 basic points to 24.75 percent from 22.75 percent from last month’s figure. The decision to hike the MPR, experts insist, is a further signal that the Cardoso-led CBN is poised to tighten the belt on inflation and reduce money supply in circulation.

APC Shifts Forward Conduct Of Ondo Primary Election, Now Holds April 20

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has brought forward the conduct of primary election for aspirants jostling for the governorship seat.

The new date, as announced is April 20. The party had earlier fixed April 25 for the exercise.

In an amended schedule of activities and timetable released by the party and signed by the chairman, Primary Election Committee, Emma Eneukwu, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will commence March 27 and end on April 3,2024.

He added that the screening of the aspirants will be on 11th and 12th April, 2024.

In this vien, the party has constituted the governorship election primary committee for Ondo State.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement reads:

“By a Resolution adopted at its 144th Meeting held on the 6th of March, 2024, the National Working Committee of our great Party constituted a Governorship Primary Election Committee of its members for the smooth running of election processes in Ondo State.

“The Committee has the following as members: Emma Eneukwu, OFR, Chairman; Barr. Festus Fuanter, Member; and Chief Victor Giadom, Member.

Others are Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, Member; Sulaiman M. Argungu, Member; and Dr. Mary Alile Idele, Member.

It also has Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, Member, Nze Chidi Duru, Member and Felix Morka, member.

Soldiers Invade Edwin Clark’s Home In Search Of Suspects, Elder Statesman Protests Invasion Of Country Home

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark has protested the invasion of his country home by armed military personnel claiming to be in search of some persons linked with recent killing of some soldiers in Delta state.

According to a statement released by the elder statesman, the incident happened last Saturday during which those resident there were subjected to series of maltreatment.

The statement reads: “At about 6pm on Saturday, 23rd March, 2024, I got a telephone call from someone who identified himself as the commanding officer Nigerian Army, Division in Port Harcourt.

“He said that a tracker of the Nigerian Army, had tracked one Mr. Vote, the community chairman of Okuoma Community, whom the Army was looking for in respect of the killings of the 17 men of the Nigerian Army, to a house in Ughelli; and that the military men had broken into the house, ransacked it, before they were informed that the house belongs to me, that he was very sorry and apologising to me on behalf of the Army.

“In my usual way and as a leader who is expected to condone as much as possible, I accepted his apology wholeheartedly, but told him that I do not own a house in Ughelli, that the house he is referring to, could be my father’s.

“It was not long after that, I was inundated with calls from my home, Kiagbodo, telling me how the army had invaded my country home by land and by air.

“That they came in about five trucks loaded with armed soldiers numbering between 30 and 40. They arrived my house, used their legs to break open all the doors in the compound including the security door to my sitting room which was locked because I reside in Abuja.

“At the same time, flying their drone within the premises. Some of them went to the buildings behind the main house, and also broke all the doors that were locked.

“They matched out my staff living in those buildings, including lecturers at the university; made them to sit on bare ground.

“They also broke into my late brother, Ambassador Akporode Blessing Clark’s house; a man who served this country internationally in various capacities, including as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; as both of us share the same premises.

“They brought out his son almost naked, as the young man was taking a bath, when they stormed the house.

“All their phones were seized. The people had to identify themselves, and told them whose house it was, before they asked for my telephone number, which they said they will pass to their “oga”’, before they all departed.

“One would have expected that at this juncture, a call could have been put to the Governor of Delta State, to inform him of what happened.

“I immediately called back the Commanding Officer to tell him of the actions of his men. And he said he was aware, and that was why he called to apologize.

“Having said that, I want to appreciate the enormous responsibility on the shoulders of the Nigerian Army, who are burdened with so much internal security issues.

“And it is for that reason I want to use this medium to kindly appeal to all concerned to work assiduously to unravel what happened and bring the perpetrators to book.

“The earlier this matter is concluded the better, as it will also avail the affected communities which are almost locked down today, without adequate food and water, the chance of returning to normal life.”

“My State Epicentre Of Banditry, Kidnappings” – Zamfara Governor, Lawal

The Source

March 26, 2024

Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor — Governor Dauda Lawal

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Zamfara State Governor Alhaji Dauda Lawal has described his State as the den of banditry and other criminal activities. He insisted that until the scourge is halted,the war against kidnappings and insecurity in the North will be a mirage.

Governor Lawal who spoke with the media at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, said he has appealed to Presidential Bola Tinubu to up the scale of military intervention in the State,so as to end banditry and other related criminal activities.

That Zamfara has become the epicenter of banditry and kidnappings ,according to him, is eloquently signposted by the fact that while the Kuriga School Children were abducted in Kaduna State, they were ferried to Zamfara from where they were rescued.

“Most of the boys and girls kidnapped in Kaduna were kept in Zamfara State .That is not good for us and, therefore, we are doing everything possible to change the narrative and that is the main reason why l have come to see Mr President.

“This is why I am here today and l have the President’s assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible.” Governor Lawal stated .

He announced that Zamfara has requested for more security personnel to be drafted to the State in view of the recent surge in banditry and other criminal activities.

“There have been several attacks in some local Councils of the State of late,and as the Governor I feel I have the responsibility to make this known to the president ,who is pleased with our discussions.

We are looking forward to having more military personnel and equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation.

Zamfara has become the epicenter of banditry as we speak today and if nothing is done in the state ,l don’t think we will be able to solve the security challenges in the entire Northern region .” the Governor warned.

Uzodimma Urges Audit Of Abandoned Projects In NDDC States, Wants Amnesty Programme Re-energised

The Source

March 26, 2024

Hope Uzodimma Calls for Audit of Abandoned NDDC Projects

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has called for a comprehensive audit of all abandoned projects that litter the nooks and crannies of the States that make up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He did on Tuesday when he received in audience at the Government House Owerri, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who came to Imo State on official duty with his key officials.

Apart from the call for a comprehensive audit of all abandoned projects in the Ministry of Niger Delta and NDDC States, Governor Uzodimma further suggested that the Amnesty Programme of the Ministry be strengthened to enable the people, particularly the youths of the region, to have commensurate value from the programme.

Governor Uzodimma requested the Minister to mop up all federal allocations meant for the region and deploy them appropriately to ensure that the area is given what is due and appropriate to it in terms of infrastructure.

He promised to continue to support and partner with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, the NDDC and other Agencies under the Ministry, to achieve the expected goals.

He called on the youths of the Nigerian Delta region to desist from vandalising NDDC projects or federal government assets in the region, appealing to the Federal Government to intensify efforts at creating employment and other opportunities that will make life more meaningful for the teeming youths of the region.

Governor Uzodimma challenged the Ministry and the NDDC to take serious interest in the documentation and completion of the abandoned projects in the region, noting that, “where all the abandoned projects are completed the region will be more than 80 per cent developed.”

He expressed delight to receive the Minister and his team in Imo State and commended Engr. Momoh on the changes he has so far initiated in the Ministry since he assumed office.

The Governor however sympathised with the Minister on the shoddy nature some projects were implemented in his Ministry before now as well as the ubiquitous abandonment of projects which the Minister has met on ground on assumption of office, and encouraged him to remain as focused today as he was on assumption of office.

Earlier while informing the Governor on why they were in Imo State, Engr. Momoh said that they came “to inspect ongoing projects of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development area and the Niger Delta Development Commission and to solicit greater partnership and cooperation of the Governors of the nine States of the region.”

The Minister maintained that “the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and the NDDC are never in competition with the States rather they are in partnership for the progress and development of the region.”

He acknowledged the existence of many challenges, especially in the area of abandoned projects, but promised that his Ministry and the Commission are on course to change the narrative.

The Minister used the opportunity to inform the Governor of the scheduled meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta Affairs that will be held between April 16 and 18, 2024 where the progress and prosperity of Niger Delta Region would be discussed.

Concluding, he thanked the Governor for the good works he is doing in Imo State, commending him, especially, on road infrastructure and other legacy projects.

Engr. Momoh also made particular mention of the ongoing flyover project which the 3R government of Governor Uzodimma has recently embarked upon in Imo State.

The Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and other top Government functionaries joined the Governor in receiving the Minister.

Also present were the Member Representing Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu who is also the House of Representatives Chairman on Niger Delta and Amnesty, the Federal Commissioner representing Imo State at the NDDC, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, former minister of State Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, the Chairman Imo State Council of Elders, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, former Imo State APC Chairman, Barr. Malcolm Nlemigbo among others.

The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and Directors in the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

NSCDC Nabs ABU Graduate For Stealing

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 28-year old graduate of economics for burglary and stealing.

A statement by Aidamenbor Daniel, Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Ondo State Command stated that the suspect, one Destiny Tope Otu, male, a graduate of Economics from Ahmadu Bello University was arrested on Monday, by a team of the Command.

The offence was said to have been committed on 8th December, 2023 at FUTA North gate residential area, when the suspect came during the day in search of accommodation.

The suspect allegedly came to burgle the apartment and carted away Air conditioner, smart TV, Fridge, washing machine, rechargeable fans, generator, sewing machine and other valuable household equipment.

He was later arrested after consistent tracking of his movement and the sales of the stolen items to unsuspecting members of the the public.

NSCDC explained that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, will be charge to court after the completion of investigation.

“So far recovered from him are air conditioner, fridge and rechargeable fans. Effort is ongoing to retrieve other items which he sold to two persons in Akure.”

Alleged Terrorism Financier, Mamu, Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum To FG To Withdraw Statement

The Source

March 26, 2024

The Publisher of the Kaduna-based Newspaper, The Desert Herald, Tukur Mohammed Mamu, has rejected his recent designation as terrorism financier by the Federal Government.

Consequently, Alhaji Mamu has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the authorities to withdraw the statement profiling him as terrorism financier and/or face a legal action.

The Source reports that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit NFIU had, on March 18, pronounced Mamu ,alongside 15 others, as financiers of activities of terrorist organizations.

Mamu as it were attracted the attention of both Nigerian Security Agencies and in deed many Nigerians following his unsolicited offer to mediate in the abduction of the Kaduna/Abuja bound Train Passengers in 2022 .

He has since been a guest of the Department of State Services, DSS, over allegations of providing cover and support to terrorists.

In a letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister Of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN, he issued the 7-day ultimatum within which the Federal Government should withdraw the statement or face a legal action.

In the letter signed on his behalf by his legal counsel,Messers J J Usman, Alhaji Mamu described his profiling as a terrorism financier by the Government as a gross violation of natural justice ,and veil attempt at impugning his reputation and character.

Mamu lamented that while his trial at a Federal High Court over earlier allegations of support for terrorism activities is still pending ,the authorities on March 19 2024 embarked on yet another attempt at maligning his character,by labelling and profiling him as terrorism financier.

” It is lamentable to observe that on March 19 2024 ,while the case against our client ( Mamu) is still pending ,the social media was saturated by publications allegedly emanating from and authorized by your good office.

However ,the said publication was made specifically by the Nigerian Sanctions Committee ,wherein our client was profiled and designated as a terrorist (terrorism financier).

“It is a common knowledge that the administration of Justice system in Nigeria is not only antithetic to ,but forbids media trial in what ever guise .

“We vehemently condemn the actions of the Nigerian Sanctions Committee ,being in violation of the rule of Natural justice and prejudicial to our client who is undergoing trial and whose trial is still pending in Siuit FHCIABJ/CR/96/2023″ part of the letter reads.

Alhaji Mamu faulted his designation as terrorism financier ,at a time he has not been so pronounced by a court of competent jurisdiction in the country..adding that it is a known fact that his trial at Abuja High Court is still pending .

” It is our firm position that the actions of the Nigerian Sanctions Committee is not just tantamount to the usurpations of the Court’s power provided under section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ( as amended ) but also a mockery of the Nigerian Judicial System.”

“Based on the foregoing, the Desert Herald Publisher asked the Federal Government to retract the said publications by the Nigerian Sanctions Committee within seven days or face a legal challenge.

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